North Branford P&Z discusses town-center form-based code and implications of new state middle-housing law

On June 4 the commission reviewed plans for a public informational meeting on the town-center form-based code set for June 25 and discussed how to align local regulations with Connecticut’s recently enacted Public Act 25-1, which allows summary review for conversions or new construction of up to nine residential units in commercial zones without variances or special permits.

Planner David Perkins summarized key elements of the statewide law and proposed local implementing language: summary review would allow certain residential uses in commercial zones subject to site-plan determinations (no public hearing or variance), while local regulations can prescribe design standards (materials, roofing, screening, orientation). Perkins said he has drafted regulatory language addressing architectural materials, parking expectations, open space and façade treatments so the town can retain design control where legally permitted.

Commissioners debated whether to change local bulk/setback requirements to encourage infill, how to handle parking minimums (transcript discussion noted state constraints on requiring parking for projects under certain unit counts), and whether to create conservation and traffic mitigation districts to retain parking and design controls. Some members urged a careful, methodical approach to public outreach and recommended coordinating the form-based code and Schedule A changes; others pushed for speed to ensure local regulations are in place before state deadlines.

The commission set a public informational meeting for June 25 at STW (6:30 p.m.) and agreed to continue working on draft districts and form-based code text, with an eye toward placing coordinated items on the July 9 agenda for formal consideration.